I’m adept at private lessons for both children and adults of all levels (including beginners) and leverage my extensive knowledge of drum set, orchestral percussion, and hand drums (West African, Afro-Cuban, Middle Eastern) to create meaningful and personalized courses of study for all my students.
I received my Master’s Degree in percussion from the University of Minnesota. My major teachers have been Jack Moore (Minnesota Orchestra), Leigh Howard Stevens (marimba), Gideon Foli Olorwoyie (African drumming), John Amira (Afro-Cuban drumming), and Daim Ali Khadri Khan (tabla, northern India). I have performed throughout the United States (including Carnegie Hall) and Europe. Locally, I have performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Guthrie Theatre, Children’s Theatre, and many other organizations. I have produced or performed on dozens of recordings, including one nominated for a Grammy.
After my intensive studies for African, Middle Eastern, and Afro-Cuban musics, I began teaching world percussion, orchestral percussion, and drum set at Carleton College in 1989, where I am currently on the faculty. I have offered curriculum based group experiences and private lessons there for 30 years. At my St. Paul studio, I teach 1/2 hour and 1 hour lessons. I can also offer Skype lessons. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly at jayleightonjohnson@comcast.net if you have questions.
My normal fee is $90 per hour, but I also have a sliding scale if that is beyond your means. If need be, I will be competitive with the fee charged by teachers in the Twin Cities with decades less experience than I have. The amount you pay in no way influences the quality of teaching provided. So, If you can afford lessons with anyone, you can have them with me.
